Keeping pot lids organized can be a frustrating challenge in any kitchen. Between different sizes, materials, and shapes, it’s easy for lids to end up in a jumbled mess. However, with a little effort and creativity, you can devise clever lid storage solutions to bring order to the chaos. In this article, we’ll explore 13 smart techniques for tidying up those unruly lids once and for all. From DIY contraptions to pre-made products, there are plenty of options to suit any budget or kitchen configuration. Read on for inspiration to get your pot lids organized!
Utilize Lid Racks
One of the simplest ways to organize pot lids is with a lid rack. These storage tools are designed specifically for holding round lids upright in a neat and compact manner. Lid racks come in a variety of materials such as wood, stainless steel, or plastic. You can choose from free-standing countertop models or wall-mounted rails. Some key benefits of lid racks include:
- Keep lids visible and easily accessible.
- Help prevent lids from getting scratches or dents.
- Save space by storing lids vertically.
- Offer a tidy storage solution with minimal effort.
When shopping for a lid rack, pay attention to the size and shape of your lids. Look for ones with adjustable dividers or multiple tiers to accommodate different diameters. Position your new lid rack near your main cooking area for convenience. For a budget-friendly option, you can even DIY your own basic lid rack using wood boards, dowel rods, and mending plates. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the right lid rack setup for your kitchen’s needs.
Repurpose Drawers or Shelves
If you don’t want to buy a specialized storage product, consider repurposing what you already have in your kitchen. Any unused drawer, cabinet shelf, or vertical space can easily double as lid storage.
For deep drawers, use adjustable dividers to section off an area just for lids. Should your lids be too tall, lay them on their sides in rows. For shallower drawers, look for risers or Mini vertical dividers to store lids upright.
Inside cabinets, dedicate a shelf just for your lids. Install sturdy bookends on the shelf to keep the lids propped upright. You can also use spring-loaded holders to neatly align lids in a row along the shelf’s depth.
Other vertical spaces like the side of your fridge or blank walls work great too. Screw in hooks, pegs, or wire shelves at varying heights to hang lids. Place lids top-side-down to let condensation drain out. This handy hack stops water from collecting and dripping onto the floor later.
Getting creative with your existing storage areas lets you organize lids easily and affordably. Measure your space carefully, then head to the hardware store for inexpensive hooks, brackets, and dividers to get the job done.
Hang Lids Overhead
For a space-saving solution, hang lids overhead using racks or pegs. Ceiling-mounted pot lid racks free up precious counter space and keep lids neatly stored but within arm’s reach. Look for lid racks with two or more tiers to double your storage.
For a simpler approach, screw cup hooks into the ceiling or a wall-mounted shelf. Hang lids by their handles upside down on the hooks. Stagger hooks at different heights to accommodate various lid sizes. Add labels below each hook to identify lid sizes for easy replacement.
Pro tip: Install the hooks at least 12 inches apart to allow room for your hand to remove the lids. Mount them 12-18 inches above your work area so they are readily accessible when cooking.
Hanging lids overhead is brilliant for tiny kitchens or to expand storage in campers and RVs. It also enables you to instantly see all your lids at a glance. For convenience, group hooks holding lids for similar pots together in zones. Get overhead lid storage installed in no time with basic hardware store finds.
Take Advantage of Cabinet Door Space
An often overlooked yet handy spot for lid storage is right on the inside of cabinet doors. Take advantage of this wasted space by adding hooks, magnetic strips, or vertical holders to the back of cabinet doors.
Look for over-the-door lid racks with multiple stainless steel bars to slide lids onto horizontally. Search for lid racks designed specifically for cabinet door installation. Or, simply screw cup hooks onto the inner door in rows to hang lids from their handles.
Another option is attaching magnetic strips or magnetic vent boards. The magnets keep metal lids anchored in place as the door opens and closes. Ensure the strips are strong enough to hold the weight of the lids.
For non-magnetic lids, use vertical holders with adjustable slots. Mount them to the door to stand lids of different diameters upright. Add labels to identify lid sizes at a glance.
Storing lids inside cabinet doors declutters counters while still keeping lids readily accessible. It also puts that wasted space to good use. Just be sure to check that the cabinet door has enough clearance so the lids don’t bump into shelving inside.
Build a Lid Organizer
For the ultimate custom storage, build your own DIY lid organizer. This is a terrific project for handy homeowners with some basic tools and skills. Design and size the organizer specifically for your unique lid collection.
Start by measuring your tallest and widest lids. Cut a 4-sided open-back box from plywood using those dimensions. Then add in internal dividers from wood, PVC pipes, or sturdy dowels. Drill pilot holes and use wood screws to attach the dividers.
Sand any rough edges and finish the wood with stain, paint, or polyurethane for durability. Mount the organizer to the wall or set it on the counter. Finally, label divider sections with lid sizes or pot names using permanent marker or printed labels.
To simplify the project, omit internal dividers and just cut side pieces that attach to the wall. Set lids of diminishing size on the shelves created by each side piece. Or, stack two open-back boxes of different depths for a two-tier organizer.
Take this DIY lid organizer to the next level by adding hooks, magnets, or racks to the top for extra storage. Get the whole family involved and customize the organizer to perfectly suit your pots and pans.
Utilize Pegs or Wall Hooks
For a budget-friendly storage solution, look no further than your basic pegs or hooks. Simple cup hooks screwed into the wall with lids hung from their handles does the trick quite nicely. Offset hooks at different heights and distances to accommodate varying lid sizes.
Search for sturdy wall hooks with rounded edges to prevent scratches. Or, opt for wooden or plastic pegs if concerned about marring lid finishes. Place hooks in a vacant corner, along the backsplash, or inside cabinet doors for handy storage that’s out of the way.
To add functionality, intersperse hooks and pegs with mini shelves. These small ledges create a spot to rest serving utensils, hot pad holders, or recipe cards. Multi-purpose hooks with built-in shelves take up minimal wall space while storing lids and extras.
Install hooks and pegs wherever you have a blank wall space near your cooking zone. Start in your go-to prep area and work outward for convenience. Mix up materials and styles for fun pops of color. Getting lids organized is a simple DIY project using basic hardware store finds.
Incorporate Into Cabinet Design
If you’re renovating your kitchen or installing new cabinets, incorporate specialty lid storage right into the design. Work with your kitchen designer to integrate one or more of these lid organizing features:
- Full-extension drawers sized specifically for lids.
- Pull-out lid racks on cabinet door backs or dividing cabinet interiors.
- Tiered universal lid racks as standalone units.
- Vertical dividers on shelves and in drawers.
- Overhead racks or slides above the work area.
Customizing cabinetry to suit your lid storage needs eliminates hassle down the road. Built-in functionality keeps lids tidy and accessible without taking up extra space. Blending storage seamlessly into the overall design achieves a cohesive, organized look.
From roll-out trays to slide-out racks, your cabinet design options are virtually endless. Bring your most frustrating lid sizes to your kitchen designer appointment. This helps the pro identify ideal custom solutions for your unique collection. By planning ahead, you can incorporate smart lid storage right into your new kitchen layout.
Store Lids in Baskets
An inexpensive and versatile storage technique is stashing lids in baskets. Choose baskets in different sizes and shapes to corral lids of all types. Use wide, shallow baskets for larger lids and deeper baskets for smaller items. Square baskets maximize space efficiency.
Look for baskets with higher sides to keep lids contained. Sturdy wire storage cubes work nicely to hold lids upright. Place basket stacks near cooking areas for quick access. To identify lid sizes, attach labels right to the basket fronts.
Mix open weave baskets and solid bins for a pleasing aesthetic. Coordinating colors create a cohesive look. For portability, choose baskets with handles to easily transport lids to workspaces as needed.
Tip: Line baskets with shelf liner or grippy mesh to keep lightweight lids from shifting around.
Inexpensive and readily available, baskets are a no-fuss storage solution for taming unruly lids. Contain like lids in designated baskets to establish order. Reconfigure and add baskets as needed to adapt to your expanding collection.
Turn a Cabinet into a Lid Organizer
For households with expansive lid sets, devote an entire cabinet or pantry shelf to lid organization. This substantial dedicated storage space lets you arrange lids meticulously using bins, dividers, racks, and more.
Start by clearing out a narrow cabinet or shelf unit. Measure your largest lids first, then create dividers to section off categories using pegboard, plexiglass, or slotted wood strips. Next, add in lid racks, baskets, vertical holders, or magnet bars for specialized storage zones. Consider including:
- Deep basket for oversized lids.
- Vertical strips for baking sheet lids.
- Shallow bins for pan lids.
- Magnetic strips for metal lids.
- Spice drawer organizers for small lids.
Label each storage zone clearly for easy lid retrieval and replacement. Install lighting inside the cabinet for easy viewing. Keep frequently used lids near the front in vertical racks for quick access. Investing ample space to get lids completely organized helps instill sanity in your kitchen.
Go Vertical with a Hanging Lid Organizer
Short on counterspace? Try a space-savvy hanging lid organizer. Designed to mount inside cabinet doors or onto walls, these vertical units provide specialized storage for round lids.
Look for over-the-door organizers with adjustable chrome bars to hold various lid diameters. Or choose hanging wall racks with deep hooks to hang lids from their handles. Models with multiple tiers double your organizational real estate.
Vertical lid organizers keep your lids visible, neatly aligned, and within easy reach. Prevent dings by storing lids top-side down. Most units have minimal installation requirements using basic hardware.
Parents love them for organizing kids’ art and craft supplies too. Maximize vertical storage potential using these practical lid organizers. say goodbye to slamming doors and shifting piles with these practical space savers.
Store Lids in Drawer Organizers
Deep drawer organizers are perfect for relegating those unruly lids into place. Look for models made of bamboo, sturdy plastic, or steel mesh for durability. BPA-free modular organizers with removable dividers make it easy to customize the configuration.
Designate one larger section for oversized lids. Then divide the remaining space into compartments for smaller lids. Stand round lids vertically in thin dividers to save space.
For quick access to your most frequently used lids, stash them in a separate handy lid organizer inside a nearby drawer. Sophisticated lid organizers hide clutter while keeping your most-reached for lids close at hand. Invest in quality drawer inserts and dividers to fully optimize this prime lid real estate.
Utilize Hanging Pot Racks
Take advantage of the vertical space above your counters or island by installing pot racks. Not only do they store entire cookware sets attractively, but pot racks double as lid organizers too!
Look for racks with multiple S-hooks, chains, or bars to hang pots from. Then simply slide lids over the same hooks underneath the corresponding pots. This keeps pots and lids paired up neatly in one place.
For standalone lid storage, choose racks with slender bars spaced 3-5 inches apart. The close spacing prevents lids of all sizes from shifting and sliding. Prioritize racks with adjustable heights to accommodate both large stock pots and short saucepan lids.
Tip: Install pot racks at least 24 inches above counters to allow ample room for opening lids without bumping heads. Place frequently used pairs over the prep or stove area for convenient access. Get both pots and lids neatly arranged by implementing this practical two-for-one storage solution.
Corral Lids in a Turntable
Round lid organizers or “lazy Susans” keep lids neatly stacked while rotating for easy access to every piece. Swiveling turntables are available in many sizes, shapes, and materials.
Look for sturdy turntables with deep central dividers sized to fit your tallest lids. Shallow outer bins hold shorter lids and covers in an organized circle. The spinning design grants you quick access to lids in the back without having to remove stacks in front.
Plastic or bamboo lid turntables containing removable dividers make it easy to customize. For large or heavy lids, choose metal turntables with steel ball bearings for smooth spinning. Lid turntables are fantastic for corners or in base cabinets for a hidden organizing solution.
No matter the size or shape of your lids, there is a lazy Susan design to suit. Turntables whip even the most jumbled lid collection into tidy, ordered stacks with just the spin of a wrist!
Attach Labels or Tags
If your lids tend to roam around, use labels or tags to designate storage spots for quick return. Apply colored circle stickers to both lids and their corresponding storage locations. For example, put a red dot on a saucepan lid and the inside of the saucepan’s cabinet.
Print actual lid names or sizes on durable peel-and-stick labels. Place labels prominently on lid racks, hooks, shelves, or baskets where the lids belong. For frequently misplaced lids, attach a tag with twine or ribbon to make it obvious if the lid is out of place.
Get kids involved by making the labels fun. Use animal stickers or icons to identify special lids. Just be sure labels are prominently placed and color-coded consistently between lids and storage spots. Instituting a labeling system makes it easy for everyone to return stray lids to their proper homes.
Store Lids by Size
If you’re dealing with a multitude of mismatched lids, get them under control by organizing them according to size. First, measure the diameter of each lid at its widest point using a ruler. Next, designate storage zones for lids in certain size ranges, for example:
- 4 inches or smaller
- 5-7 inches
- 8-10 inches
- 11-13 inches
- Over 13 inches
Now sort your lids into the appropriate bins, baskets, or vertical slots based on size category. Consider sizing from smallest to largest lids either left to right or top to bottom.
Label your lid size zones clearly for future reference. Bonus points for also noting the types of pots associated with each size category. Organizing logically by size makes it far easier to replace lids properly after washing. No more lid rummaging frustration!
Segregate Lids by Material
If your lid collection includes a mix of materials, keep them separated for easier access. Common pot lid materials include stainless steel, glass, plastic, cast iron, and copper. Designate bins, baskets, or racks specifically for each type of lid material. Consider labeling the sections too.
Why segregate? Certain materials have unique care requirements. For example, glass lids may need extra padding to prevent cracking. Copper lids require special polishing. Plastic lids can warp under high heat. Keeping them sorted simplifies proper use and care.
Material groupings also enable you to instantly locate the right lid for a particular cookware type. Knowing exactly where to look saves fumbling through stacks of mismatched options. Organize lids smartly according to material for improved functionality.
13 Clever Ways to Organize Pot Lids – FAQs
How do you prevent pot lids from rattling when stacked?
Place a piece of shelf liner, mesh, or other textured material between the lids to reduce noise. You can also install rubber bumpers or cushioning inside cabinets. For hanging lids, loop twine or cord between hooks to cushion contact points.
What size lid rack should I get for my lids?
Measure the diameter and height of your largest pot lid first. Look for a lid rack at least 2 inches wider and taller than your largest lid dimensions to accommodate it. Lid racks with adjustable dividers offer the most flexibility.
Where is the best place to store pot lids?
Store frequently used lids near your main cook zone for convenience – on the counter, in nearby base cabinets or drawers, or on wall hooks. Reserve hard-to-reach spots like upper cabinets for occasional-use specialty lids.
How do I stop lids from warping in storage?
Avoid stacking lids directly on top of each other. Store lids horizontally or vertically with space in between to allow airflow. Keep lids away from heat sources like stoves or dishwashers. Choose a storage location away from windows or direct light.
How do you organize messy kitchen cabinets?
First, remove everything and sort like items together. Next, wipe down shelves and drawers. Now categorize contents into zones like pans, lids, utensils, etc. Finally, invest in organizers, dividers, racks, and labels to create tidy homes for everything.
Conclusion
Getting pot lid storage squared away makes it so much easier to locate what you need in a busy kitchen